The key questions as Henderson relies on Brain Power for the solution

Big Buck's Celebration Manifesto Novices' Chase (Grade 1) | 5yo+ | 2m4f | ITV/RUK

Can Brain Power excel over longer distance?

Brain Power was no match for the impressive Footpad in the Racing Post Arkle Trophy but after staying on to snatch second at Cheltenham he tries two and a half miles for the first time.

There is no Footpad in opposition nor any of the first four finishers from the 2m4f JLT Novices' Chase, so he may not get a better opportunity to showcase his potential.

Of more concern to trainer Nicky Henderson is the ground, with Brain Power having done all his winning on good or good to soft.

"We're upping him to two and a half and he travels as if he would get that," said Henderson. "I'm putting a tongue-tie on as well, but I suspect it's a bit soft for him. The Arkle was a very quick race and he stayed on very well."

Time for another Oscar winning performance?

Finian's Oscar was one of the stars of a prolific Grand National meeting for the Colin Tizzard stable 12 months ago.

Having missed the Cheltenham Festival he gained consolation by winning the Grade 1 Mersey Novices' Hurdle and began his novice chasing campaign with wins at Chepstow and Cheltenham.

Bar a narrow defeat at Ascot in December, he has not hit the same heights since and was well beaten when fifth in the JLT on his first start since wind surgery.

Trainer Colin Tizzard said: "He didn't run at all badly at Cheltenham. Up until Christmas his form was rock-solid and then he had a bug and his wind done. I think he's through that and he jumped lovely this morning."

Will it be worth the wait with Cyrname?

Cyrname is 3-5 over fences and his last defeat by Terrefort, to whom he was conceding 3lb, is looking better after his opponent ran so well to finish second in the JLT Novices' Chase.

Trainer Paul Nicholls decided the Cheltenham course was not for Cyrname and looks to have struck lucky in holding on to him in the hope ground conditions would still be in his favour at Aintree.

Cyrname : trainer Paul Nicholls bypassed Cheltenham to wait for AintreeCredit: Edward Whitaker

"I purposely left him out of Cheltenham, which I didn't think would suit him, hoping it would be soft at Aintree," he said. "He won over two and a half miles last time, so this is ideal for him. He's improved massively from his performances over hurdles and has turned into a very nice horse."

Modus had won three of his four chases in three- and four runner fields but finished last of the eight to complete in the JLT.

"The big field didn't suit Modus at Cheltenham and the ground was far too soft for him," said Nicholls. "The more it dries for him the better."

What the others say

Henry de Bromhead, trainer of Calino D'airy
He lost his form after winning his first two chases but seems to be back.

Dan Skelton, trainer of Rene's Girl
She's getting a 7lb mares' allowance and that makes it interesting. She'll love the track and hopefully they'll have no more rain.

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